Quick Facts

The tribute focused on Echols’ lifelong commitment to advocacy for children, especially in York County, where she was a founding member of the Early Learning Partnership of S.C. (formerly Success by 6). Led by Board Chair John Gettys and Interim Executive Director Teresa Creech, the event raised more than $37,000 to support programs to get York County’s children “Ready to Read, Healthy to Learn.”

Sylvia Echols

ROCK HILL, S.C. – The Early Learning Partnership of York County recognized Sylvia Echols during a Dec. 6 fundraising event for her many contributions to York County’s children.

Held at the DiGiorgio Campus Center on the Winthrop University campus, the tribute focused on Echols’ lifelong commitment to advocacy for children, especially in York County, where she was a founding member of the Early Learning Partnership of S.C. (formerly Success by 6).

Led by Board Chair John Gettys and Interim Executive Director Teresa Creech, the event raised more than $37,000 to support the following programs to get York County’s children “Ready to Read, Healthy to Learn:”

* Born To Read, more than 500 new mothers/babies served annually at Piedmont Medical Center; * Reach Out and Read, more than 13,000 children served annually in local pediatrician’s offices; * The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, 3,400 children served annually; * York County Family Resource Centers, more than 40,000 children/families served; and * Free medical clinics for uninsured children, more than 1,800 children served annually

Speaking about Echols’ contributions were her son, Chad Echols, and longtime friend and child advocate, Jane Peeples. Ouida Dest, partnership board member, presented original artwork to Echols. “This community, Rock Hill, has provided me and my family with much more than I could have ever given,” said Echols, wife of Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols.

She shared the wisdom of Lillian Katz, a highly respected early childhood educator and researcher:

“Each of us must come to care about everyone else’s children. We must recognize that the welfare of our children and grandchildren is intimately linked to the welfare of all other people’s children. After all, when one of our children needs some lifesaving surgery, someone else’s child will perform it. If one of our children is threatened or harmed by violence, someone else’s child will be responsible for the violent act. The good life for our own children can be secured only if a good life is also secured for all other people’s children.”

Community awards also were presented by volunteer Martha Edwards to:

• Robin Williams - Community Volunteer Award for her work as the data entry clerk for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. • Fred Faircloth of Rock Hill Coca Cola – Community Donor Award for his continual sponsorship of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

The Early Learning Partnership is based at Winthrop in the Withers/W.T.S. Building. It is a comprehensive, results-oriented initiative supported by public and private partnership to help prepare children ready mentally and physically for school.

The agency’s mission was explained at the tribute dinner with a video presentation by past chair, Stephen Cox, called “Why We Do What We Do at ELP.”

For more information, contact Creech at 803/323-2180, e-mail her at creecht@winthrop.edu or check out the web site at: www.elpofyorkcounty.org